Cooking competition at Columbia County Fair

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Judging at 2011 event.

CHATHAM -- As soon as you get a bit south of Troy and Albany, the word "bounty" begins popping up like toadstools after a summer rain.

As just two examples, I cite the recent Bounty of the Hudson event and the  Hudson Valley Bounty event set for next week.

Next up is the "Bounty Cooking Contest" at the Columbia County Fair. It's an event that has grown from six contestants in its first year, 2008, to nearly 100 last year.

The competition for professional and amateur chefs is divided into two divisions, adults and children 14-and-under. All contestants can submit dishes in either the "savory" or "sweet" categories. Entries can be soups, appetizers, salads, main courses or desserts. They are due by 12:30 p.m., Monday, September 3, at the Mid-field Arena adjacent to the North Gate stage.

According to the event organizers, all entries must be fully cooked and ready to serve. No electricity or refrigeration is available at the site of the judging. Each contestant must supply the equivalent of eight portions. Applications must be postmarked by August 27.

"We want to emphasize the great things that are grown and produced in Columbia County," said Nancy Ginsberg, contest coordinator and sponsor. "Sometimes we get cooks who have purchased every ingredient locally. More often, though, it is just a few of the items that have come from nearby resources."

All entries will be judged by personnel from the Culinary Institute of America. They will award prizes based on taste, presentation and originality. Adults will receive $250 for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third. In the Youth Division, prizes run from $150 to $50.

"It’s a great event at the fair," Ginsberg said. "We see and taste some wonderful dishes. Last year’s winners included raspberry pear tart, strawberry basil pie and heirloom tomato and feta strudel in the adult division. The kids won with pumpkin pie spiced cream caramel, peach and raspberry tart and a mac-and-cheese El Paso burger."

The Columbia County Fair, a Labor Day weekend fixture in Columbia County for 171 years, is scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 29, and continue through Monday, Labor Day, September 3. Hours are Wednesday 3 to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 daily, and $12 Sunday.

Complete contest rules as well as advance tickets can be obtained online. The fairgrounds are located on Route 66 in Chatham (GPS 142 Hudson Avenue). Phone: (518) 392-2121.